Does Anyone On Here Admit To 'keeping Up With The Jones'?

[dave50]

Why do people do it, especially if they can't really afford to financially?
Why do they get so jealous of other people's possessions and lifestyles that they will go into debt to try to keep up?
If they are financially secure, healthy and lead a comfortable life with no worries, why isn't that enough?
Is it because they feel so insecure about themselves that they feel inadequate just because they have less material possessions?
What are people's thoughts?

[society]

I don't know the Jones. Who are they? Where are they from?

[woofgang]

never have done, never will do.

[douglas9401]

We have enough probs keeping up with the mortgage to bother.

[Booldawg]

our neighbour has one fridge in his front garden; we have 2 plus a 1975 triumph dolomite with no rear axle.

[society]

I still wear clothes from 30 years ago. How is that for keeping up. :)

Like Woofgang, never have done, never will do.

[McMouse]

Good god no. I spend my time keeping well ahead of them.

[New Judge]

I like to think that the Joneses try to keep up with me !!!

[Old_Geezer]

Beat me to the punch Judge ;-p

[society]

McMouse did you get 'frottage cheese' today from Waitrose? :)

[tonyav]

I married a Jones !.

[coccinelle]

I'm the complete opposite.

[Baldric]

Frankly, I just don't give a damn!

[cazzz1975]

No, I feel its a sign of insecurity

[sebhfhion]

Some people feel the need to surround themselves with material goods and are never happy. Though I suppose if you are going to be miserable you might as well be miserable sat in front of your 40 inch plasma TV with your BMW on the driveway.

[FredPuli43]

Never felt that way. I loathe "statements" like Rolex watches, too, as though the wearer has to advertise supposed wealth to impress. I've never known a truly rich person wear one, unless it's a vintage one dating from the days when the watches looked ordinary, like any other watch.

The truly secure, the old aristocrats who don't feel any need to keep up with anybody; in which they resemble the old working class, though for far different reasons; don't care. One old Duke of Norfolk was criticised by his wife for looking scruffy, to which he replied "In Arundel, everybody knows who I am and in London, nobody knows. So why should I change?" That's the attitude !

[Arksided]

Iv'e never felt that way either, I think sometimes 'nice car' parked in the driveway but to me they've earned it.

[FredPuli43]

Or leased it, arksided ! :)

[Arksided]

Indeed.

[wildwood]

Can't understand it, we only buy what we can afford. It is silly to add considerable cost to your purchase by way of credit or HP ad-ons. Buy 2nd hand and save up for new.